Vat Phou, Xiengthong temple honoured with sustainable tourism awards
Vat Phou temple in Champassak province and Vat Xiengthong temple in Luang Prabang province were the recipients of sustainable tourism standard awards at the Asean Together Forum Brunei 2020 on Thursday.
The ruins of Vat Phou temple are more than 1,000 years old and have been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The large temple complex is open to visitors daily from 8am to 5pm, both for worship and exploration of the various ancient structures and panoramic views from the hilltop site.
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Xiengthong temple was built in the 16th Century during the reign of King Saysetthathirath. It is one of the most interesting examples of Buddhist art and architecture in Luang Prabang and arguably one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. There were also 21 awards in the Asean Clean Tourist City Standard category, with one of these going to Vientiane.
Laos also received five awards in the Asean Green Hotel Standard category. These were for the Pullman hotel in Luang Prabang province, Inthira hotel in Vientiane province, Namkat Yorla Pa Resort in Oudomxay province, Pou villa resort in Luang Namtha provin ce, and the Paksong Danngarm hotel in Champassak province.
The Namkat Yorla Pa Resort offers jungle tours and rain-forest treks. It caters to nature lovers and those who want to relax in a natural environment.
The resort is situated near the Nam Kat river and is one of the most attractive ecotourism destinations in Laos and South East Asia.
Laos also received five awards in the Asean MICE Venue Standard category. These were for the meeting room at the Pullman hotel in Luang Prabang province, the meeting room at the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, the National Convention Centre, the meeting room at the Champassak Grand Hotel, and the Cultural Hall in Savannakhet province.
The Asean Together Forum 2020 took place from January 12-16. Next year’s Asean Together Forum will be held in Cambodia.
By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update January 20, 2020) |
